THE ASSESSMENT OF MAJOR FOREIGN POLICIES OF PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI (2015-2021)

Abstract

Nigeria’s foreign policy is dynamic by nature due the leadership styles. It is also an important attribute of Nigeria’s independent and sovereignty. Currently, the country is struggling to survive in the midst of advanced and developed countries to safeguard her existence. The goal of every foreign policy is to establish and maintain a cordial relationship with other nations as well as to build a good image in order to promote her national interest. In response to this, the study aims at investigating the major foreign policies of President Muhammadu Buhari and its impact on Nigeria’s external affairs. The main objectives of this study are to (i) examine the major foreign policies of President Muhammadu Buhari administration (ii) investigate impact of domestic factors on Nigeria’s foreign policy (iii) critically examine effect of the major policies of President Muhamadu Buhari on Nigeria’s external affairs (iv) proffer suggestions on how Nigeria’s foreign policy can be improved to the standard procedures. The statement of the problem therefore is to recommend appropriate strategies to reefers the tread. This study makes use the of qualitative method relying heavily on the secondary data that sourced via academic journals, textbooks, magazines, dailies , internet sources, published and unpublished theses, and the likes.Based on the data collected and analyzed, the followings are the summary of the findings. After the swearing in of Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria in 2015, he re-positioned Nigeria’s image and influence in the regional and global arena. He also strengthened and revived the fragile and broken relations with the United States of America, United Kingdom, South Africa and other neighboring states like Chad, Niger and Cameroon and also joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in 2016. The country interventions have helped restore and strengthen democracy in the Gambia and Guinea Bissau as a result of deployment of troops, fighter jets, and warships to the Gambia during the impasse that followed the December 2016 Presidential elections. In fact, Nigeria’s foreign missions require adequate funding to cater for the needs of Nigerians in diaspora. However, so much needs to be done in order for Nigeria to fulfill her potential as the Giant of Africa.The recommendation for this study are a more proactive and community-based approach to tackling national security should be adopted. There is the need for a strong strategic plan and long term projection of the nation’s foreign policy posture with a view to fashioning out a road-map for Nigeria’s diplomacy.